Strengthened access and monitoring of clean water in Gaza Province following floods

The kits include two main components for water treatment. The first is a flocculant product, used to treat cloudy water, making it cleaner and visibly clear before consumption. The second is intended for disinfection, ensuring adequate levels of free residual chlorine to eliminate bacterial agents and contaminating viruses, thus guaranteeing safe water for domestic consumption.

A mobile water quality testing kit has also been provided, capable of performing up to 200 bacteriological and chemical tests. To ensure the proper use of the equipment, WHO is also training local health professionals in its handling and results interpretation, a process that has already covered the Chókwè City Health Centre and the Barragem Health Centre. This measure will enable continuous monitoring of water quality in communities and rapid action in the event of contamination.

For local health professionals, the initiative represents a significant step forward in responding to the flood emergency. "The training was very good and very positive, especially at this time of year. We really needed it. After this training, we will be able to test the water right here, without having to send samples and wait for the results. Now we can go to the various sources we have and do the testing," said Vánia Jaime, a general nurse who works in triage and paediatric care.

After the training sessions, the testing materials remain in the sites where the teams operate, allowing for continuous monitoring of water quality in the different communities. ‘If the water is not fit for consumption, we will advise the population to reinforce purification and secure drinking water. Monitoring will make it possible to reduce the risk of disease,’ she added.

The purification units are intended for domestic use, allowing families to treat unclean or contaminated water before consumption. The available stock can treat up to 20 000 litres of water in these conditions.
This initiative is part of the response to the floods in Gaza province and aims to increase access to safe drinking water in communities, contributing to the prevention of diarrhoeal diseases and strengthening public health protection in emergency situations.